Mica + Michael by Monique Ivette - Together Journal

The colour palette of deep burgundy and soft blues worked so well with the surroundings, feeling both timeless and grounded.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

Mikey and Mica live in San Francisco and share a love for exploring the city’s vibrant corners and the rugged beauty of the Northern California coast—a passion that ultimately led them to choose Sea Ranch Lodge for their celebration. At home, they’re happiest curled up on the couch with their cat, Soup, cooking something delicious, or getting lost in a good film. Their life together is a balance of adventure and comfort, always rooted in the joy of simply being with one another.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

Mikey and Mica go way back—they first met in high school and even dated for a grand total of three months, until Mica broke up with Mikey at the zoo (a story he tells with great flair to this day). They stayed friends over the years, and after college, Mikey moved to San Francisco. A year later, Mica ended up there too. Not knowing many people in the city, she reached out to Mikey, and just like that, the spark was back. Seeing each other again felt like hitting play on something that had been paused. It was exciting and new, but also warm and familiar. And yes—Mikey still made Mica laugh just like he did when they were fifteen.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

In 2019, Mica’s mother was diagnosed with ALS, and she made the difficult decision to move back to Austin to help care for her. Without hesitation, Mikey was by her side. As they navigated the challenges of her mother’s illness—and the added weight of a global pandemic—Mica leaned on Mikey more than ever. He showed up in every possible way, offering not just support, but joy, managing to make both Mica and her mom laugh through some of the hardest moments. It was during this time that something shifted. This wasn’t just a rekindled high school romance—it was something deep, unwavering, and real. There was no question: this was love for a lifetime.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes, etc.).

Mica wanted the mood and style of the day to feel deeply connected to the place where so much of their love story had unfolded. The Northern California coast was where they first said “I love you,” where they got engaged, and now, where they’d say their vows—so it only made sense to let the landscape lead the way. She chose a palette grounded in nature: rich burgundy to echo the coastal rocks and the warm, weathered textures of the lodge, paired with soft, shifting blues drawn from the sky and sea. For florals, she was adamant about incorporating “tons of grass” to reflect the untamed beauty of the cliffs and fields, and included calla lilies—a nod to the elegant, sculptural blooms that grow wild in the region. Everything was designed to feel like a love letter to the land.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

For us, the venue itself was such a gift. Sea Ranch Lodge, with its stunning coastal views and natural beauty, set the stage perfectly. We really let the location guide the styling—Mica chose details that highlighted the rugged textures of the cliffs and the warmth of the wood throughout the lodge. The colour palette of deep burgundy and soft blues worked so well with the surroundings, feeling both timeless and grounded. Florals were another standout element, with the calla lilies adding a touch of elegance and sophistication that complemented the coastal beauty. What truly brought everything together, though, was our photographer, Monique. She understood what was most important to us and, in turn, captured the full essence of the day, truly delivering above and beyond our expectations.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

For Mica, the wedding planning process felt like the best job she’d ever been asked to do. As an art director, she was used to thinking in big concepts, but planning her own wedding was like having a client with no limitations—herself. It was an opportunity to create a portrait of their relationship, with every detail contributing to the bigger picture. The whole process was about taking the time to carefully assemble the elements in a way that truly represented them as a couple. Her advice for couples starting out? Take your time and embrace the changes along the way! From the moment you get engaged to the day you walk down the aisle, inspiration will come from unexpected places. It’s all part of the journey, so don’t be afraid to go with the flow and change your mind as you go. The beauty is in the process, not just the outcome.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

The search for Mica’s wedding dress was a journey in itself. She started shopping too early, feeling a bit of anxiety because it’s something you’re “supposed” to do with your mom, but hers had recently passed. So, Mica went with her brother, his wife, their newborn, and Mikey. She gravitated toward simple, strapless dresses, but none of them quite felt right. Mica didn’t want a traditional wedding dress—she wanted something more casual and artsy. After a few months of uncertainty, she tried again, this time with a group of girlfriends, bottomless mimosas in hand. The dress didn’t come that day, but the fun did.

Feeling a little hopeless and missing the moment of shopping with her mom, Mica decided maybe she’d wear a suit instead. Mikey and Mica went to get custom suits, but a month later, Mica found a dress online from a local shop and bought it without trying it on. When it arrived, she didn’t feel like herself in it, but she had it tailored anyway. It still didn’t work. The wedding was 30 days away, and Mica panicked. On a whim, she drove two hours to a bridal shop and, finally, found the perfect dress.

She ended up wearing the original dress for the rehearsal dinner, the new dress for the ceremony, and the suit for a fun outfit change at dinner. It all worked out perfectly in the end—if anything, it taught her to roll with the punches. You’ll change your mind a million times, but Mica promises you’ll end up with an outfit that truly feels like you and a story to tell for years to come.

What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

For both of us, the venue was the most important investment. As we mentioned earlier, Sea Ranch Lodge held so many meaningful memories for us, and we wanted the location to truly reflect the beauty of our relationship and the natural surroundings. It felt worth every penny to make sure we were in the perfect place.

Surprisingly, the outfits also became an area where we were happy to spend a little more. What started as a stressful and uncertain journey led to finding pieces that truly felt like us. The process was full of twists and turns, but in the end, Mica was so glad she went the extra mile for outfits that reflected her personality and the uniqueness of the day. It all came together beautifully and was totally worth it.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

Until Friday, the forecast was perfect—clear skies, no rain clouds in sight. But around midday, things shifted. Suddenly, rain was on the radar. By Friday night, Mica’s planner, Sea Ranch, and even Mikey were gently encouraging a move indoors. But something in her clicked. It was like she’d earned a PhD in meteorology overnight. She downloaded every app, cross-checked every radar, and checked the forecast hourly like it was her full-time job. They had until 10 am Saturday to make a final call. Everything in Mica’s gut—and a few choice weather apps—said it would clear. So, they stuck with the outdoor plan. And she was right.

It rained lightly for about an hour midday, but by the time the ceremony began, the skies had cleared. The mist gave way to the most stunning overcast light, perfect for photos, and by dinner, the sky cracked open into a sunset that felt like pure magic. Looking back, it was stressful in the moment, but also a reminder to trust your instincts… and maybe download a few backup weather apps.